You want to know the way to my heart….food! Fries are my kryptonite As a matter of fact, anything made from a potato, you name it, I eat it! When I am happy, there is ice cream. If I am sad, there is chicken. When I am mad or better yet HANGRY…the way to my heart is a happy plate.

Clean Your Plate

As a little girl, I grew up as a proud member of the “CLEAN PLATE CLUB’.  That meant you ate all your food and possibly asked for seconds. In my case, I often asked for thirds. “Cleaning your plate” was a badge of honor. You got the recognition from grandparents often to the dismay of others that didn’t clean their plates. Dessert was the ultimate goal of being in the club. I remember slowly devouring each delicious drop of “Heavenly Hash” with a smile on my face feeling like I was on top of the world. My mother would often scold my grandfather for feeding me since I always used my “tell” when I was eating. I would often sing or rock loudly indicating I was eating.

My tendencies to overeat carried over well into my school-aged years. I cried in elementary school because I didn’t “fit” regular clothes. Shopping in the “husky” section brought tears to my eyes. In middle school, while my friends shopped at places like “Rave” and “Contempo Casuals”, I dressed like a boy in baggy clothes to hide my developing curvy body. The attention I craved from others, I often found in food.

Fit Mommi Challenge

Beginning this challenge has opened new doors for me. Immediately, I expected to see results. I just knew the three push-ups I did guarantee that I was going to lose ten pounds in the first week. Nope!  Week two came and the number still remained the same. Was I discouraged? Absolutely!  Did I keep moving? Absolutely!  Upon speaking to numerous friends in their own fitness journeys, I learned that the number on the scale is not a direct reflection of the work you are doing. Nutrition is the key to losing weight. Movement is the key to losing weight. It is a symbiotic relationship.  You can’t have one without the other.

Fit & 40

During the challenge, we were asked to set goals for ourselves. I designated this time to being “Fit and forty”. With my fortieth birthday approaching quickly, I decided to enter my newest decade on a healthier note.  Moving more. Making healthy food choices. I will never have knees like Megan Thee Stallion, but I would like to “drop it like it’s hot” and not keep it where I left it!  Deciding to be fit has led to a healthier mindset. Not only am I watching my weight, but I am also monitoring what I consume mentally. Mental health is just as important as physical.  Through this challenge, I formed the community I needed. Women supporting each other and being accountable.  Continuing the healthy habits I acquired during this time is a must. Thank you Mommination for this opportunity.

 

Mommy Contributor,

Shanaye Johnson

Shanaye Johnson